Pegasus World Cup guide: See odds, analysis, PPs and more
The first major American race of the year for older horses is set for Saturday as Gulfstream Park hosts the Grade 1, $3 million Pegasus World Cup.
The blockbuster event at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., oval drew an overflow field of 13, including Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure and Cigar Mile Handicap (G2) winner Hoist the Gold. The up-and-coming winner of last year's Lexington Stakes (G3) First Mission, is also bound to attract plenty of attention in the wagering.
The Pegasus goes as the 13th and final race of the day at approximately 5:40 p.m. EST. We have Super Screener picks and analysis for the prestigious 1 1/8-mile heat, as well as recent top speed figures for each contender.
You can also check out Horse Racing Nation's free past performances page, where you can download PPs for the Pegasus World Cup and more, courtesy of our partners at Brisnet.
Pegasus World Cup best speed figures
| Post | Horse | ML | Beyer | TimeformUS | HRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nimitz Class | 20-1 | 103 | 126 | 116 |
| 2 | O'Connor | 8-1 | 100 | 122 | 104 |
| 3 | Dynamic One | 15-1 | 80 | 104 | 92 |
| 4 | Hoist the Gold | 12-1 | 109 | 128 | 110 |
| 5 | Trademark | 15-1 | 102 | 128 | 105 |
| 6 | Senor Buscador | 20-1 | 101 | 121 | 105 |
| 7 | National Treasure | 9-5 | 107 | 128 | 112 |
| 8 | First Mission | 7-2 | 102 | 130 | 106 |
| 9 | Grand Aspen | 8-1 | 100 | 121 | 105 |
| 10 | Il Miracolo | 20-1 | 98 | 122 | 103 |
| 11 | Crupi | 20-1 | 94 | 120 | 106 |
| 12 | Skippylongstocking | 8-1 | 102 | 122 | 109 |
| 13 | Castle Chaos | 30-1 | 96 | 118 | 103 |
Looking at the pace
It appears a fast pace is on tap for the Pegasus World Cup, with Hoist the Gold expected to make the lead and First Mission, Grand Aspen and Skippylongstocking hot on his heels.
Pace projector courtesy of TimeformUS.
HRN Pegasus picks
This week's Super Screener has identified Grand Aspen as a live long shot in the Pegasus. Per Mike Shutty, "In the local prep for this race, the Harlan's Holiday (G3), (Grand Aspen) did all the dirty work in the early stages of the race and took the lead in the final turn before barely getting outkicked by the pace-advantaged O'Connor. He has worked forwardly since that contest and should appreciate the push back out to 1 1/8 miles."
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Matt Shifman's Pegasus picks don't think First Mission will be overwhelmed from a class perspective, as National Treasure is the only runner that boasts a prior Grade 1 win.
Ed DeRosa's fair odds are not sold on National Treasure as any sort of bargain at 9-5. Senor Buscador has caught his eye in particular at 20-1.
Gulfstream Park trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and TV analyst and morning-line writer Brian Nadeau joined the Ron Flatter Racing Pod to discuss Saturday's trio of Pegasus World Cup races.
Here is the field for the 2024 Pegasus World Cup: